Granted this isn’t much, but there’s nothing else we can do until the Bundesliga returns from its winter break on Friday, Jan. 18, so these friendly matches will have to tide us over.
We can’t wait to see how Josh Sargent carries on with Werder Bremen after scoring two goals in his first three appearances, as well as how Christian Pulisic fares for Borussia Dortmund during his final four months at the club, but we’re equally as excited for the debuts of Canadian international Alphonso Davies at Bayern Munich and USMNT midfielder Tyler Adams at RB Leipzig.
Charlie Kelman may only be on the radar of the most ardent of USMNT supporters, but that may change after Saturday.
The 17-year-old forward has been called up for the U.S. U-18 squad and is currently playing for Southend United in England’s third division. Kelman marked his first appearance with the senior side with one of the best goals in all of England on Saturday (though not all of the UK).
Wednesday marked the third day of training at the USMNT’s annual January camp, and judging by all the social media responses, your perception of how Gregg Berhalter is doing on the job is greatly influenced by one of two things: Either (1) you don’t understand that this isn’t a FIFA international window — the requirement for European clubs to release players — and you’re outraged by the amount of MLS inclusions or (2) you understand that no European players can be called, and that includes midfielders Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie, but you’re mad as hell that Michael Bradley is there.
There's been a lot of news surrounding American players abroad in Europe lately.
The MAC Hermann Trophy is soccer's equivalent of the Heisman. Started in 1967, the Missouri Atheltic Club honors the top male and female collegiate player each year. Much like the college football award, the recipients list is full of players who went on to international success and others who failed at the professional level.
Just when you thought Sydney Leroux and Dom Dwyer could not exceed couple goal expectations, well, they 100 percent have. On New Year's Eve, the couple revealed the gender of their second child, and this time, Cassius was not as upset about being a big brother.
Chelsea made its first big splash in the transfer window, adding USMNT star forward Christian Pulisic to the roster. The forward was purchased from Borussia Dortmund for a jaw-dropping $73.1 million, the largest fee for an American player in history. The Christian Pulisic transfer fee more than tripled the previous record, which was held by fellow USMNT star John Brooks.
Christian Pulisic had a difficult year. From missing out on the World Cup to dealing with injury to not being a consistent starter for Borussia Dortmund, you can’t blame the 20-year old for wanting a little change of scenery. Pulisic has been on the radar of big European clubs for quite some time now, and a summer move seems inevitable.
In an unexpected announcement, Sigi Schmid, an incredibly important figure in American soccer, passed away at the age of 65 on Tuesday. It was reported that he was admitted to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center due to a heart-related condition.